Arms, John Taylor, 1887-1953

Etcher.

From the description of John Taylor Arms papers, 1923-1953. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 86122606

John Taylor Arms was an American artist, known for his architectural etchings. Born in Washington, D.C., he attended Princeton as a pre-law student, but transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study architecture. He moved to New York, and was working as an architectural draftsman when his wife bought him an etching kit as a Christmas gift, revealing his natural ability. He taught himself the art of etching, gaining inspiration from works of James McNeill Whistler; after serving in World War I, he devoted his life to his art. An excellent draftsman, Arms travelled throughout the world making precise architectural drawings, returning to the studio to render the etchings with a sewing needle set in a wooden handle. His work was popular, and helped to revive the art of etching, in combination with his numerous lectures and books on the subject.

From the description of John Taylor Arms card to Dear sirs, 1943 May 19. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 166922795

Printmaker; Fairfield, Ct. and Washington, D.C.

Served as president of the Society of American Etchers. Studied architecture before turning to etching and printmaking.

From the description of John Taylor Arms papers, 1910-1952. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122515233